(Trenton) - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today announced the start of a $1,288,770 bridge deck replacement project on Harter Road over I-287 in Morris Township, Morris County. NJDOT also will resurface Harter Road and install guide rail.

“This NJDOT project will create and support jobs, improve safety, and extend the life of the Harter Road Bridge over I-287,” said Governor Jon S. Corzine. “The project reflects the State of New Jersey’s commitment to improving our infrastructure and stimulating the economy.”

The bridge deck replacement will require the extended closure of Harter Road over Route I-287. From Friday night, July 17 through October 2009, NJDOT will close Harter Road to traffic over Route 287 at Interchange 33. The following detour routes will take effect July 17:

During the Harter Road closure, the exit ramp from I-287 southbound to Harter Road westbound will remain open, but ramp traffic to Harter Road eastbound will be directed to the detour route. The I-287 northbound ramp to Tiger Lily Lane and Harter Road also will remain open, but ramp traffic to Harter Road westbound will be directed to the detour route.

I-287 lane closure hours may take place on Monday through Thursday from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Thursday morning and on Friday at 9:30 p.m. to Saturday morning until 7 a.m. The lane closures will continue for approximately two weeks.

Variable message signs will be placed on I-287, Route 202 and James Street to notify motorists of the upcoming roadway closure. NJDOT provides emergency roadway information, construction schedule updates and real time traffic information and images at www.511nj.org.